Reflection: Testify: Purpose" Prayers and Poetry

 Reflection Questions

     1. How much time each day do we find ourselves worrying instead of praying?

     2. Not worrying does not mean not doing anything either, so how do we prepare in trust?

     3. Who do you know right now that needs support whether financially or emotionally?                 What kind of 'increase' can you give no matter how small in words or labor?

Share: What has someone most recently done for you to encourage you when in a struggle?

Testify: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

 Philippians 4:17-18, "Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

Testify

Forgive us Lord, for the many times we still fret over our needs. Especially when we have experienced Your giving grace to always cover us in so many ways. And we are grateful.

Please show us how to learn to trust before the need because we now know and have experienced Your on going protection.

And remind us to pray for all who have held us up in our times of need with their time and money and care and understanding. To lovingly testify Your grace to them also in action.

May their needs also be met without worry when their own difficulties come. And whether we  have little or much to offer, we ask to never forget to have a sharing heart and selfless attitude as You have given to each of us.

Your thoughts, 

Solace: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                     Solace

                    Support from others

                    in times of need a solace

                       regardless of circumstances.

                    Strengthens weary souls

                    increase trust

                    revives hope.

                Spirit will direct

                    in each situation to give

                    reason to act.

                    Soul to soul

                    impacts time of despair

                    restores mercy.

Psalm 18:47, "The God who executes vengeance for me, And subdues peoples under me."

Reflection: Faith: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

     1. How do you determine when to assist and when to not--whether time or money or emotions?

     2. In what ways has the Lord directed you to either a yes or a no response?

     3. What has been the oddest request you stepped out in faith to walk alongside? How did the outcome strengthen or weaken your faith walk?

Share: What scripture do you think can help us to know when it is the Holy Spirit directing the situation?

Faith: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

 Philippians 4:15-16, "And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macadonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again."

Faith

Sometimes we find ourselves seeking forgiveness because we feel we have not listened or obeyed the Spirit's nudges to assist another. We may want to but due to our own emptiness financially, or emotionally, or physically, we remain quiet.

And sometimes we are the ones on the receiving end and know we will never be able to return the gift to help to all those who have carried us, and we feel helpless.

Yet the Lord knows each of our needs and stages and though we may not be able to return now there will be opportunities in other circumstances when we can. Maybe to pass the kindness on to another, maybe days or weeks, or years ahead.

He enables us to give and to receive. He will direct us when and how. He will guide us heart to heart with gratitude and willingness.

Lord, thank-you that You provide rescue into each of us and through each of us in Your time. Please keep us listening to Your nudges for when and how, and trust in Your provisions.

Your thoughts,

Strength: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

             Strength

            Can not do anything

            although we think

            all is possible if we

            commit diligently.

            And sometime we

            can due to gifts

            created within our beings

            as part of our soul genes.

            Concentrate with repeated

            attempts alone or with

            able support we

            consider our success.

            Applaud perseverance

            concentration not seeing

            completion's silent strength

            all through His mercy.

            And creation

            always holding onto us

            always protecting

            all through His love.

Psalm 18:46, "The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the Lord of my salvation."

            

Reflection: All Things: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

 Reflection Questions:

        1. On a difficult day have you ever had a perfect stranger help you? How did you react? How did it change your day?

        2. What words, or acts of comfort, have you shared with someone in need recently? What prompted you to comment?

        3. Think back this week or month and remember situations that seemed overwhelming, and yet you found the courage, or support, to move forward. Did you see the Lord's  guidance in the strengthening?

Share: How might you bring this recognition to support another? In words, or in actions, or prayers, or all?